Tropical Storm Otto inundated St. John with torrential rain and high winds last week. Damage was reported
across the island, including in Great Cruz Bay, above, where several boats broke off their moorings and were
thrown ashore. Story and additional photos on pages 2-4.

VIPD/DPW
Collaborate
To Clean Up
Cruz Bay
Page 7
Island Resident
Commends St.
John Police for
Swift Action in
Nabbing Burglar
Page 6
Dept. of Interior
Supports New
St. John School
Page 6
Chris Laude: Meet
CBCC's New Storm
Water Engineer
Page 8
"Flavors' Is Back
Better Than Ever
Page 8

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2 St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010

Mosquito Fogging October 14 and 26

Department of Health's Environmental Health division will be
fogging for mosquitoes on St. John this month on Thursday, Octo-
ber 14, and Tuesday, October 26.

Flu Shots on Oct. 15 in Coral Bay Only
The Department of Health Immunization Program has sched-
uled outreach activities for free flu vaccines in areas most acces-
sible to the public.
Department of Health Immunization Clinic officials will offer
free flu shots on Friday, October 15, at the Coral Bay Fire Station
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DPNR Advises Public To Keep Out

of Coastal Waters Impacted by Otto
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources' Division
of Environmental Protection advised the public on Friday, October
8, to refrain from the coastal waters of the Virgin Islands due to the
recent effects of Tropical Storm Otto.
There is a potential impact on water quality from sewage leaks,
spills or bypasses in the municipal sewage system or conventional
home septic systems. There may be an increased health risk to
anyone swimming or playing in these areas as a result of an in-
creased concentration of bacteria.
DPNR advised the public to refrain from using the coastal wa-
ters until further notice. This includes activities such as swimming,
fishing and bathing.
All persons should also be aware that storm water runoff may
also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health
and therefore all persons should avoid areas of storm water runoff
(guts, puddles and drainage basins). For additional information
call DPNR-DEP at 773-1082 or 774-3320.

Residents Urged To Review Insurance

Documents on Weather-Related Damage
Lieutenant Governor Gregory Francis encouraged Virgin Island-
ers to review their property insurance policies in the event that they
need to file any insurance claims in the wake of the severe weather
that the territory experienced last week.
Francis, who serves as the territory's Commissioner of Insur-
ance, advised residents to contact their insurance company if they
have any questions about their coverage.
"I am hopeful that the majority of our residents will come
through this storm with minimal damage to their homes and prop-
erties, but encourage them to be prepared in the event that a claim
must be filed," said Francis.
He advised property owners to be proactive by reviewing their
insurance policies and carefully checking for and documenting
damage to their homes and properties.
"This inclement weather reminds us that flood insurance is rec-
ommended even in areas with low or moderate flood risks," said
Francis.
Many standard homeowners policies usually don't cover flood
damage, which includes runoff and seepage. When purchasing
insurance, homeowners can further protect their property by pur-
chasing flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Pro-
gram. Flood insurance can be purchased from private insurance
companies and agents that participate in the program. Coverage is
available for homeowners, renters and businesses.
Francis advised Virgin Islanders to take all necessary mea-
sures to protect their property and ensure their own safety until the
weather system passes.

V.I. National Park Superintendent Mark Hardgrove and
staff assess the damage at Windswept near Trunk Bay,
Landslide at Saunder's Gut. where the roadway was completely washed away.

COPYRIGHT 2010
All rights reserved No reproduction of
news stories, letters, columns, photo-
graphs or advertisements allowed without
written permission from the publisher

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010

A sea of turt at the Westin Resort tennis courts.

St. John Tradewinds News Photos

More boats were washed ashore at Chocolate Hole, above, where several boats
remained moored on land in the wake of Hurricane Earl in early September.

Mongoose Junction The Marketplace
Mongoose Junction The Marketplace

N. Shore Rd., Maho Bay

The road to the Westin Restort and Villas in front of
Greenleaf Commons was impassible on Wednesday
morning, October 6.

Tropical Storm Otto Dumps More than 15 Inches of Rain

Mud Slides, Power Outages and Road Damage

By Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
It wasn't a hurricane, but Tropi-
cal Storm Otto dumped more than
15 inches of rain on St. John last
week, shutting schools and gov-
ernment offices and causing land
slides, power outages and roadway
damage across the island.
Rain started lashing the terri-
tory on Tuesday, October 5, when
4.8 inches fell, according to Rafe
Boulon, who records rain data at
his North Shore home.
On Wednesday, October 6, an
additional 6.92 inches of rain fell
and it didn't stop on Thursday,
when Boulon recorded another
3.41 inches. The skies were still

grey on Friday, October 8, and, as
of press time, Boulon had record-
ed an additional .94 inches of rain
with even more forecast for Friday
night and Saturday morning.
The heavy downpours proved
too much for many already water-
logged areas of St. John, causing
mud slides across the island. The
worst of the damage was reported
on Wednesday, October 6, when
portions of Centerline Road were
closed for much of the day.
A major land slide caused a
power line to fall at the entrance to
Upper Carolina, where traffic was
turned around for several hours.
A major rock and mud slide
at Saunder's Gut on October 6

blocked the road, trapping resi-
dents on the other side. Neighbors
pitched in to dig out the road early
in the morning and a backhoe later
made the road passable.
Several boats were thrown
ashore in Chocolate Hole and
Great Cruz Bay, where officials
at the Westin Resort and Villas
had their hands full. The resort's
tennis courts and swimming pool
were inundated with water, mud
and rocks. The roadway in front of
the resort was almost completely
washed away and boats broken off
their moorings littered the beach.
Damage was reported on the
main road out to Fish Bay, but
recent roadway work intended to

slow the tide of storm water run-
off held up well, according to resi-
dents in the area.
Several villas in Estate Virgin
Grand reported water damage.
The gut which runs underneath
Mongoose Junction was rushing at
full speed and the roadway in front
of the shopping complex was seri-
ously damaged from the deluge.
At least five additional mud
slides were reported along Cen-
terline Road and Department of
Public Works crews were working
around the clock to keep roadways
passable.
Water damage to homes was
also reported from Estate Calabash
Continued on Page 4

Tropical Storm Otto:
Continued from Page 3
Boom to Chocolate Hole. A retain-
ing wall collapsed at an Estate
Carolina home, burying three cars
under the debris in the driveway.
North Shore Road, which was
recently paved, weathered the
storm well, according to V.I. Na-
tional Park Chief of Resource
Management Rafe Boulon.
A few landslides were reported
along the roadway and the road
did buckle near Hawksnest Beach,
according to Boulon.
The worst damage in the park
was reported at Maho Bay beach,
which seemed to disappear under
the swell of runoff from the water-
shed. Only a few tree roots were
holding a portion of the sand in
place with the rest of the beach

The heavy rain dislodged
this retaining wall in Estate
Carolina, top left, damaging
three vehicles, including
the Jeep, bottom left, which
did start, but needs a new
windshield.

St. John Tradewinds News
Photos by Jaime Elliott

simply washed away.
"There is literally no beach,"
said Boulon.
Boulon's own North Shore
home was nearly impossible to
get to, as the access road to Wind-
swept was completely washed out.
The VINP official hoped to be able
to get his vehicle out sometime
this week.
Eight families who live on the
upper portion of Estate Bordeaux
were reportedly trapped on the hill
due to several major landslides,
according to a resident who lives
in the area.
Residents in that section of Es-
tate Bordeaux lost power on Tues-
day, October 5, and V.I. Water and
Power Authority officials were
working in the area on Friday, Oc-
tober 8. As of press time, however,
the residents in that section of Es-
tate Bordeaux were still without
power.
Coral Bay lost power on Tues-
day evening, October 5, for about
24 hours. The current was running
by the night of October 6, as VI.
Water and Power Authority crews
got the power lines back up and
functioning.
Schools were closed early on
Tuesday, October 5, and then re-
mained shuttered for the rest of
the week. With the Columbus

Day holiday on Monday, Octo-
ber 11, students enjoyed almost a
full week off from the classroom.
Maintenance staff and faculty,
however, were asked to report to
their respective schools to aid in
the clean up efforts.
Non-essential government em-
ployees were not required to re-
port to work and many restaurants
and bars kept their doors shuttered
throughout the week.
The VITRAN bus service didn't
run Tuesday through Friday last
week and Department of Public
Works officials issued an advisory
for residents to avoid coastal areas
and guts impacted by storm water.
The heavy downpours came
during a year which has already
seen above-average rainfall. As
of October 8, Boulon had already
recorded 16.07 inches of rain for
the month. The average rainfall
for October is only 4.92 inches.
For the year, Boulon has recorded
63.62 inches of rain already, with
an average year on St. John seeing
only 43.83 inches.
A "tail" at the southern tip of TS
Otto was forecast to lash the island
with several more inches of rain
on Friday night, October 8, and
then pick up speed and move away
from the territory, for some much-
needed relief from the rain.

This concrete truck from St. Thomas slid off the hillside of Centerline Road in
Estate Lower Pastory two weeks ago. It took a major effort, which blocked the
roadway for almost an hour, for officials to haul the truck back street level and tow it.

Spa Services Discounts are available to residents of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with valid ID. ID must be presented when making
appointment. Valid 6/01/09-10/31/09. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Westin is the registered trademark of
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010 5

St. John Community Foundation

Hosting Two Political Candidates

Forums on October 23 and 30
St. John Tradewinds
The St. John Community Foundation is hosting two political
forums at a ballroom at the Westin Resort and Villas this month.
SJCF will welcome senatorial candidates on Saturday night,
October 23, starting with a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. The forum
will begin at 7 p.m. On October 30, the group will welcome guber-
natorial candidates to the ballroom again with the meet and greet
at 6:30 p.m. and the forum starting at 7 p.m.
St. John residents are encouraged to submit questions for the
candidates to SJCF by email to allawe@sjcf.com or by fax to 693-
9410. For more information call Paul Devine at 693-9410.

By Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
Residents in Estate Lower Carolina applauded V.I.
Police Department officials last week for their dedica-
tion and hard work in nabbing a burglar.
Rick and Nelda Ringsborg watched as a man broke
into their neighbor's house and were thrilled when po-
lice responded quickly, explained Nelda Ringsborg.
"We saw the man break into the house across the
way from us," she said. "We called the police and
they came right away. They looked everywhere for
him, but he managed to get away."
A few days later Ringsborg was in Cruz Bay when
she spotted the man who had burglarized her neigh-
bor's home.

"I heard he had bought a plane ticket to leave the
island," said Nelda Ringsborg. "I said, 'No way is
that happening.' I went right to the police station and
they got right on it."
VIPD arrested John Bolding of Estate Bordeaux
on Monday afternoon, September 27, and charged
him with third degree burglary. He appeared before
VI. Superior Court for his advice of rights hearing
last week, but his trial was not scheduled as of press
time.
"The police officers who worked on this, Detective
Vincent, Sgt. Brown, Officer Frett, Offc. Williams,
Offc. Venzen and Offc. Georges, all did a great job,"
said Nelda Ringsborg. "I want to thank them and
commend their hard work."

Dept. of Interior Supports New St. John School

St. John Tradewinds
The U.S. Department of Interior
has reaffirmed its commitment to
work with the Virgin Islands gov-
ernment to make the development
of a new school on St. John a re-
ality, said Governor John deJongh
last week.
Anthony Baubata, Interior's As-
sistant Secretary for Insular Areas,
voiced his support of Governor
deJongh's plan on a recent trip to
the Virgin Islands, and pledged to
assist the territory's government in
achieving the land swap necessary
to facilitate development of the
new school.
The proposal, which involves
turning over land in Estate Grange
on St. Croix to the National Park
Service in exchange for a St. John
development site, dates back to
2007.
Last week, following a meeting
with Interior officials, including
Baubata, the governor discussed

the many benefits of freeing up
space where the Julius E. Sprauve
School is currently located on St.
John.
Moving the school to a different
location will ease traffic conges-
tion in Cruz Bay and free up land
that has great potential for both
tourism and agricultural use, ac-
cording to deJongh.
Baubata said Interior Secretary
Ken Salazar has affirmed a nic\
commitment" to move forward
with the project, and work closely
with the deJongh- Francis admin-
istration to get a new school built.
Assistant Secretary Baubata
recently held meetings with the
governor's senior officials, De-
partment of Interior staff, repre-
sentatives of the Trust for Public
Lands, National Park Service re-
gional director, local officials of
the VI. National Park as well as
Education Commissioner La Verne
Terry and Public Works Commis-

sioner Darryl Smalls to advance
the project.
"We're all moving in a direc-
tion where we are recommitted,
we're re-energized to try and make
sure the land is available for resi-
dents of St. John so we can build a
public school there for the children
of the community," Baubata said
during his visit to the territory.
DeJongh said Interior Depart-
ment officials have supported his
goal for a new school because
they recognize the positive impact
the plan will have on the St. John
community.
The plan "addresses educa-
tion, agriculture, and tourism," the
governor said, adding those many
benefits are the reason the Interior
Department is "truly behind this
project."
Baubata has "clearly been ex-
tremely supportive" because "it's
something that he saw the value
of," the governor said.

Web Cam Back Up and Running in Lameshur Bay

St. John Tradewinds
Earlier this summer a group of high school stu-
dents from a marine biology club called Teens-
4Oceans at the Kent Denver School funded by
the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park -
travelled to St. John with faculty to install an un-
derwater camera at the Virgin Islands Environmen-
tal Research Station (VIERS) in Lameshur Bay.
They spent six days digging trenches, installing
conduit and networking the camera feed to take
their project live. Shortly after footage of the is-
land's underwater world was streaming live across
the internet, a lightning storm took out the camera

putting an end to the kids' hard work.
Thankfully, a new camera was purchased by
Friends of VINP and the Kent Denver School.
Since school is back in session, the students were
not able to make the trip to St. John to reinstall the
camera, and instead gave direction and support to
VIERS staff member Jamie Irving who was on the
ground to help get the job done.
The camera is now back up and running, and
the students in Colorado are busily studying the
footage. To see what's happening under the dock
in Lameshur Bay visit the Teens4Ocean website:
http://www.teens4oceans.org/cam-saint-john.htm.

6 St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010

Resident Commends St. John Police

for Swift Action in Nabbing Burglar

1aiidseaplag

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010 7

VIPD and DPW Collaborate To Clean Up Cruz Bay

St. John Tradewinds News Photo

VIPD officials dismantled a wooden shack and rescued a pit bull
from a vagrant's camp area in Cruz Bay, above.

By Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
For the third time this year, V.I. Police De-
partment officials and Department of Public
Works personnel collaborated to make Cruz
Bay cleaner and safer and this time their
efforts also saved a dog.
Responding to complaints from residents,
VIPD and DPW on Tuesday, October 5, re-
turned to the area across from Fish Trap Res-
taurant in Cruz Bay where vagrants and squat-
ters have long set up camp.
Officials cut back about five feet of bush, re-
moved piles of trash and found a pit bull inside
a plywood shack. The shack was dismantled
and the dog was taken to the St. John Animal
Care Center, according to VIPD officials.
A week before the cleanup VIPD's K-9 unit
moved through the area and chased out some
of the occupants, explained DPW's St. John
Deputy Director Ira Wade.
"We've cleaned this area out before and the
K-9 unit was up here last week," said Wade.
"The first time we came up here about a year
ago, it was like a country club. There were
tents and carpeting and furniture it was un-
believable."

While the area didn't take as long to clean
up as previous efforts, Wade expected to have
to return to the area before long.
"As fast as you can clear it out, they move
right back in," he said. "You have to go back up
regularly so they don't get too comfortable."
The site is located on private land, but busi-
ness owners in the area first asked the VIPD
to clean the area out at a Citizen's Integration
Team meeting last year. That first effort netted
contraband, drugs and drug paraphernalia and
items which had been reported stolen.
While no drugs or stolen items were found
on the recent sweep through of the area, VIPD
will continue to keep the area clean, according
to VIPD's Assistant Commissioner Raymond
Hyndman.
"This is an effort to rid several areas in the
community where loiterers and vagrants hang
out in bushes to conduct illegal activities," said
Hyndman. "By clearing out the area it will give
police and the community higher visibility into
the area."
VIPD Sergeant Charmayne Thomas, Offi-
cer Earl Mills and Officer Richard Dominguez
of Zone D Command assisted with the cleanup
as well.

By Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
Coral Bay Community Council officials recently wel-
comed a new storm water engineer to oversee the group's
on-going watershed stabilization efforts.
Hailing most recently from Wilmington, North Carolina,
Chris Laude moved to St. John with his wife and two sons in
late June to oversee the Coral Bay community group's storm
water management projects.
Laude took over as CBCC's storm water engineer after
Joe Mina, who previously held the position, moved back
stateside. As the new storm water engineer, Laude will over-
see CBCC's on-going storm water management projects,
host outreach seminars for the community and work with
federal and territorial regulatory agencies.
The storm water engineer's background as the inaugural
county engineer in Georgetown, South Carolina, was a per-
fect fit for CBCC's needs, explained the group's president
Sharon Coldren.
"When CBCC had to go out and look for a replacement
for Joe Mina, we knew it was going to be difficult to find
someone who brought as much to the community," said Col-
dren. "But we were delighted when we came across the re-
sume and interviewed Chris Laude because he had so much
incredibly useful experience in South Carolina running their
storm water management program for the whole county."
Facing federal and state storm water mandates, George-
town, South Carolina, officials looked to Laude to not only
create an entire program, but also a mechanism to fund that
program.
"I set up a storm water management program and a storm
water utility that had the ability to assess and collect fees to
fund these storm water projects," said Laude. "So if anyone
wanted to develop a site, they would come to us with their
plans, we would review them, do inspections and issue per-
mits. We also had additional public education requirements
from the feds so we tried to educate folks about storm water
management."
The challenges Laude faced implementing a storm water
management program in the rural coastal county of George-

CBCC Storm Water Engineer Chris Laude

town, South Carolina, are similar to those he will be facing
on St. John, Coldren explained.
"Something I think is worth noting is that Georgetown
County has a large geographic area and is on the Atlantic
coast with only a population of 58,000," she said. "The fi-
nancial and geographic constraints he was working with are
more similar to those in the Virgin Islands, than if he had
come from an urban area, for instance."
Impeccable references sealed the deal for CBCC offi-
cials, who are delighted to have Laude on board.
"When I interviewed his references from Georgetown
they were so enthusiastic about him and so disappointed
that he had to leave," said Coldren. "Essentially he did a
huge amount in a short amount of time and he hopes to do
the same here."
After getting the Georgetown project up and running,
Laude returned to North Carolina and worked for the city
of Wilmington before coming across the CBCC job posting.
The challenges of the CBCC position were too enticing to
pass up, he explained.

"When this job opened up, I thought it was just too much
of a challenge to pass up," he said. "Things are different
here, but they are probably more similar to how things are in
Georgetown, South Carolina, than one would imagine."
Laude was hired under CBCC's two-year $300,000 Com-
munity Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Through
that grant, Laude will provide general storm water manage-
ment and design work and continue CBCC's community
outreach with public seminars and workshops.
Laude is also under contract as the inspection engineer
for the Coral Bay portion of the V.I. Resource, Conservation
and Development Council's multi-million dollar Watershed
Stabilization in the Virgin Islands grant from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's ARRA funds.
That grant is also funding watershed projects in Fish Bay
and on St. Croix.
CBCC officials are also actively seeking additional grants
to extend their EPA CARE grant for at least an additional six
months, Coldren added.
While Laude has already been meeting with federal and
local officials, he is excited to get to know St. John residents
as he hosts upcoming seminars.
"It's really a multi-pronged approach here," said the storm
water engineer. "One goal of the grant was to bring in exper-
tise that wasn't here on the island. I think you can appreciate
how specialized my recent experience is. I look forward to
meeting with civic groups, home owners associations, de-
signers, engineers and architects about storm water.
While the task of stemming the tide of storm water runoff
is daunting, it is not impossible, according to Laude.
"The easy part of this is that everyone knows there is a
problem," he said. "Getting to the solution is not as triv-
ial, but is not impossible. I think some things need to be
changed."
"That is part of the reason I was brought down here to
talk to the folks who regulate storm water and let them know
how other areas have been dealing with it," Laude said.
For more information about CBCC's storm water proj-
ects, call the group at 776 -2099.

IMongoose Junction, St. John (340) 776-6256

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By Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
With so many exciting restau-
rants on St. John, the hardest part
about dining out is often simply
choosing where to go.
For one night in November,
however, discerning diners can en-
joy the best of what popular eater-
ies like La Tapa, Fish Trap, Happy
Fish, La Plancha del Mar, Water-
front Bistro and more have to of-
fer, all under one roof.
The annual Rotary Club of St.
John Flavors fundraiser brings out
the top island chefs as they hope to
impress the judges with their cui-
sine. The event is set for Saturday,
November 13, from 6 to 11 p.m. at
the Westin Resort and Villas.
Last year's Flavors drew a re-
cord 400 guests and netted about
$17,000 for Rotary's scholarship
fund. This year organizers are
taking what worked last year and
making the night even better by
pushing the date up two weeks,
moving the venue inside and add-
ing a few new categories for the
hotly-contested "Best Of' Flavors
awards.
"This year Flavors is Novem-
ber 13, two weeks earlier than we
usually host it, and we did that
for a few different reasons," said
Katherine Steinborn, Rotary mem-
ber and executive chairperson of
Flavors. "First of all we wanted to
make it easier on the restaurants
that take part."
The event is usually hosted the
week of Thanksgiving, the first
busy week of the high season,

explained Steinbom, who is or-
ganizing the event along with co-
chairperson Paul Kessock, of West
Indies Ltd.
"Having Flavors the week be-
fore Thanksgiving is usually a re-
ally big push for the restaurants,"
she said. "We really wanted to hon-
or the food industry, so we moved
the date up two weeks. Without
the restaurants there wouldn't be a
Flavors."
While Steinborn heard rave re-
views of last year's Flavors, one
complaint was echoed as well, she
explained.
"We host the event under tents
on the grounds of the Westin each
year and it's always really hot,"
said Steinborn. "I remember even
before I was a part of Rotary and
organizing the event, I thought it
would be a really cool event if it
wasn't so hot. So this year we've
moving it inside to air conditioned
ballrooms."
Also new this year are two ad-
ditional "Best Of' categories. Best
bar food and best mixologist will
join best appetizer, best entree,
best desert and the crowd-chosen
best overall presentation.
The guys at La Plancha del Mar,
who won last year's best dessert
for their waffle brownie, will be
back to defend their title this year.
Happy Fish, which won best
appetizer last year, is expected to
return to the competition again this
year along with best entree winner
Rhumb Lines.
There will be a new best over-
Continued from Page 15

Get the Energy Scoop

The Virgin Islands
Energy Office will
be at The
MarketPlace Saturday -"7
Oct. 16. Get
information on 75-.
all its stimulus
(ARRA) programs. I-
Have your youngster
take a Global Climate --
Change test and win
prizes; 10 a.m. till 3
p.m. on first level.
October is Energy
Awareness Month.

of the G3,

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Virgin Islands
Energy Office

Contact the Energy Office

at 713-8436

on St. Croix and 714-8436

on St. Thomas or visit the

website at vienergy.org

for more information.

U U

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10 St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010

Senator-at-Large

Reports

By Senator Craig Barshinger

September Items

St. John Tradewinds your vote in the General Election
Last week there was huge legis- on November 2.
lative news for St. John, but let me The Legislature held three days
first thank you for the decisive vic- of Legislative Session September
tory in the Democratic Primary for 20 through 22. Sessions are the
senator at large. I appreciate your culmination of many months of
support in the Primary, and ask for meeting and committee hearings,

where bills are presented to the
full legislature to be voted up or
down.
In addition, the September Ses-
sion included the budget bills,
where we decide how to spend the
government money in the fiscal
2011 year, which begins October
1, 2010.
There is so much to report this
week that I'm only going to be
able to mention each item briefly.
If you want full details, call our St.
John office at 693-8061 or email
us at senator@barshinger.net.
The biggest news is that I and
my colleagues have placed $4 mil-
lion in the budget to fund the is-
land's multi-level parking deck in
Cruz Bay. I did that originally in
August 2006, and the money was
raided in Spring of 2007, while I
sat out a term.
I am calling on all St. John resi-
dents to contact the Governor with
this message: "We want the park-
ing that bill 28-0302 will fund. Do
not veto it." Some St. John resi-
dents have told me that they are
numb with government inaction.
Let us not give up now!
We will get our parking. How-
ever massive support is needed to
make it happen, and your commu-
nication to the governor is the next
step. His number is 774-0001 on
St. Thomas and 776-6484 at his
administrator's office on St. John.
Do you remember that we fixed
the St. John Capital Improvement
fund earlier this year? We mandat-
ed that it be used only for capital
projects, not trash hauling. As a re-
sult, we have money in the Capital
Improvement fund.
Coral Bay will get a Central
Park of 172 acres. Bill 28-0302
passed in Session. It purchases,
with the help of the Forest Legacy
Program, two parcels for the en-
joyment of all the people. We will
preserve the archaeological trea-
sures, build walking and bicycling
trails, and a host of other park ac-
tivities. This will be our own Vir-
gin Islands Park, to manage as we
think best. It is not a part of the VI
National Park.
The last Saturday of Septem-
ber is now officially designated
as "Virgin Islands and American
Kennel Club Responsible Dog
Ownership Day." Last year's event
was so successful that the Legisla-

ture accommodated the organizers
and made it an annual event.
We funded our own Pan Drag-
ons steel band youth orchestra and
St. John Rescue, a vital volunteer
organization. Furthermore, we
gave St. John Rescue a home of its
own with a nominal lease of gov-
ernment land.
I sponsored two overrides of
previously vetoed legislation. As
a result, VI elementary students
will now each receive one year
of swimming and water safety in-
struction. This will save lives and
open up employment opportuni-
ties.
Additionally, arrows indicat-
ing the correct direction of travel
are now required on the territory's
roads. Our own Mr. Wade showed
the practicability by doing this vol-
untarily on St. John. We anticipate
that this will reduce the number of
head-on collisions between locals
and wayward tourists.
I funded the GPS project, which
will give us mobile GPS units that
will guide emergency service per-
sonnel directly to our homes, with-
out error or delay. It will also allow
customers and friends to arrive at
your address without error or de-
lay; everyone will benefit from
uniform street names and GPS's to
guide us.
In addition to the many things
that we spent money on, we also
cut. One cut which I advocated
was to lop $500,000 off of the
Legislature's budget. The Legis-
lature spends the least of the three
branches of government, and is
proud to lead the way in "doing
more with less."
I also sponsored a $75,000 cut
that benefits St. John specifically.
The proposed executive budget
came with funding for a 60' "tem-
porary" truss radio tower in Han-
sen Bay. In response to over two
dozen letters and calls, I defunded
that. We will find an alternative
that is not so ugly.
In other news, the ambulance
boat is contracted and under con-
struction, slated for February
delivery. I've spoken with the
builders and even photographed
the boat under construction. We'll
keep monitoring to ensure that the
project doesn't languish.
Thank you for the opportunity
to serve as your senator-at-large!

THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS P
A FREE FAMILY CONFERENCE

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010 11

Historical Bits

& Pieces
by Chuck Pishko

Book Review: St. John Voices

St. John Tradewinds
"St. John Voices," Ruth Low's
new book has finally been pub-
lished. I say finally for two rea-
sons it's her final book since
she passed on February 13, 2006.
The book was published post-
humously by her daughters,
Damaris Low Botwick and Jenni
Low Oliver. Her first book "St.
John Backtime," co-authored with
Rafael "Lito" Valls was published
in 1986. It contains some 90 ac-
counts gleaned from the original
historical records of St. John from
many diverse sources.
"Voices" contains some 500
shorter selections and is in her
own words "a collage of tangible
details of daily life" on St. John.
The book is thoroughly indexed
and arranged topically the
island, the sea, weather, work,
households, community, govern-
ment, and change and is profusely
illustrated by some 150 images
that tell hundreds and hundreds of
stories by themselves.
Low also incorporated transla-
tions of oral narratives recorded by
Matilda Marsh Harvey which stand
alone as an invaluable record of St.
Johnians recently passed who had
lived for donkey years here. Very
powerful stuff.
Low did extensive research at
the National Archives and was
able to obtain additional text and
pictures through the Library of
Congress, the Danish National
Archives and Royal Library, the

Moravian Archives in both Penn-
sylvania and Germany, the von
Scholten Collection at the Enid
M. Baa Library and the St. Croix
Landmarks Society.
I know the extent of her research
because I was honored to review
the manuscript of "Voices." Jane
Bowry, a former president and a
founder of the St. John Historical
Society, noted in the April, 2006
SJHS newsletter that Ruth (Low)
was a "scholar in the truest sense
of the word" who "pursued her
love of history by becoming en-
grossed in St. John's fascinating
past."
"Because of her efforts, we and
future generations will be able to
have a glimpse into St. John's past
and hear its' (sic) many voices."

We earnestly hope that
the historical society will
soon add Ruth Low's new
book to their website store.
The late G. Rolf Schaub was the
distributor for Low's "St. John
Backtime." Ruth and her daugh-
ters are fortunate to have Rolf's
widow, Kazumi distributing "St.
John Voices." Her enthusiasm for
the task far outweighs her lack of
prior experience in the field.
"St. John Voices," is available
at the following locations on St.
John: Sugarbird; Pink Papaya and
the Papaya Cafe; Banana Jack;
Caneel Bay Resort; St. John Spice;
Starfish Market; Mumbo Jum-
bo; Friends of theVirgin Islands
National Park Store; and on St.
Thomas at Dockside Bookshop.

(9 check all that apply)
I always wanted to own a second home on St. John. (I am so happy)
I can still afford to maintain my home and it doesn't hurt a bit. (I am so lying)
I will just rent my home and my problems will be SOLVED. (is there any more rum left?)

I just want to mention that I sell an herbal tea for dengue fever that
works well.
Also, my Facebook website contains information on dengue and
more at www.facebook.com/people/Victor-HerbalTea-Hall.
You might remember that you all wrote several articles on my bush
medicine research for AIDS.
Respectfully,
Victor Hall

Why did the government (or allow someone to)
change the path of flowing water at Supreme Corer
so that the rain water now runs down Centerline and
not into the ghut?
Recently, they (or they allowed someone to) piled
old asphalt four feet high just behind the Upper Pas-
tory dumpster, so now the water coming down Cen-
terline and down from Upper Pastory has to funnel
down Centerline, and not into the ghut at that comer.
This has already caused the road at the bottom of
Supreme Corer to buckle and have to be repaired.
Now, after four days of rain, Centerline Road is being
torn apart again and even more.
Our main road now has water running down it -
like a ghut during adverse weather? I don't have
to remind anyone of this, except the persons) whose
chose to divert the water away from the ghut and
down Centerline.
Plus, all of the (few but small) houses just at the
bottom of Supreme Corer and along the road side are
now trying to save their homes by building mini walls

to keep the water running down Centerline Road, be-
cause someone has diverted the water away from its
normal path.
Surely there are government officials who drive up
and down Centerline past Supreme Corer and know
exactly where the water is being diverted improp-
erly?
The running water diverted away from the ghut
and into Centerline Road is at the expense and
danger of every St John resident, local or tourist.
What do we have to do and/or who do we contact to
get the water at Supreme Corer flowing back where
it belongs into the ghut and not down Centerline
Road before someone is injured? Will it take an
accident or even death for someone to do something
about it?
We need make Centerline Road a safer road to
travel, especially in regards to the diverted water at
Supreme Corer/Upper Pastory.

Name Withheld Upon Request

Recreational users of illegal drugs deserve most of
the blame for all the associated violence and corrup-
tion. It is their world market of fast money that mo-
tivates brutal greedy sociopaths and the desperately
ambitious, and that corrupts and circumvents law en-
forcement.
Drug addicts are hardly more responsible than were
alcoholics for the empowerment and enrichment of
organized crime during Prohibition (of alcoholic bev-
erages in the United States from 1919 to 1933). Only
large wealthy societies full of casual and recreational
consumers can produce such huge markets.
So, is their sense of entitlement to personal gratifi-
cation so strong that it puts illegal drug users in denial
about the social costs? When they are not driven by
addiction, do they simply not know or care, compla-
cent about the small part each of them may play indi-
vidually? Or does the intrigue of illegality appeal to
them too?

For 30 years this community was terrorized by
a gangster police force called "The Narcotics Strike
Force." A couple of years ago, enough of them were
put in jail or died, so the Governor could dis-ban it
and place the few remaining individuals into the regu-
lar force.
We have seen a great improvement in the police
since then. Do you notice how many times the police
find guns and drugs in cars that they stop for stop sign
violations?
This never happened before. They are out there
and being visible in all the neighborhoods trying to
do their job. Twelve of our senators voted to over-
ride the Governor's veto to establish a "VI Bureau

I could compare illegal drugs to illicit and casual
sex. That too is widely engaged in without enough
concern for the hurt or damage it causes to others.
But we still don't stone adulterers or make adultery a
criminal offense.
So, if a large majority of illegal drug users are ap-
parently able to navigate the dangers to their own
health and functions, and if they think it's good to do
their stuff, then they should push to make it legal for
"consenting adults." If they are determined there are
enough of them to accomplish the change in the law.
The joys of their drug indulgence should be enough
without whatever additional kicks they derive from
illegality.
If alcohol were to become illegal again, this old
booze head wouldn't drink rather than give his mon-
ey to the mobs, but I'd sure push for repeal. Or am I
missing the whole point or something?
Nick Childs

of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Control," a "semi
autonomous agency" to be controlled by a Board, like
WAPA and Waste Management.
I can't imagine an action that the Senate could
take that would have the potential to do more dam-
age to this community than this one. I wondered what
their reasoning was. Someone said it was because
they wanted the vote of the Teamsters Union. Who
knows?
The same week the coaches at CAHS were scram-
bling to find the money to keep the sports program
alive in their school. Ten of these senators voted to
spend $50,000 to sponsor a soccer team in Montescu-
Continued on Page 17

A Different Look at Illegal Drug Use

It's Time To Change Leadership In Our Community

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010 13

Letters to St. John Tradewinds

Estate Carolina: An Invaluable Opportunity
Governor John deJongh, As an area that will once again be carefully cleared
Though written to you, and for your consideration, with consequent efforts made to stabilize the impres-
this is an open letter that will be shared with the com- sive ruins, the opportunity to promote the area as a
munity at large. Its purpose is to serve as an expres- destination for visitors will certainly enhance the
sion of support for those efforts now underway to ac- tourism experience.
quire the remainder of Parcel #7 in Estate Carolina on Despite the hardships that the present economic
St. John, for inclusion in a Territorial Park. environment presents, the opportunity to do so much
With the permission of Mr. Sheldon Marsh, who at a cost that will only require a local contribution
represents the current ownership, I walked the bottom of 25 percent when matched with other sources, cer-
acreage in order to be better informed about this land tainly meets the rare and highly favorable standard of
and the significant number of archaeological ruins an offer that cannot be refused.
that remain. Inclusion in this effort in the Omnibus Bill for gov-
That inspection convinced me that there is no ex- ernment funding represents the sizeable commitment
aggeration in saying that the property represents an of support from not only a growing body of our citi-
invaluable opportunity to engage our community in zenry, but our representatives in the Senate who very
this endeavor to preserve a unique site with artifacts correctly view this truly multi-faceted opportunity as
that date back many centuries. Aside from the more one we simply cannot afford to let slip by.
visible ruins of the Danish plantation once owned by Should you also determine that this acquisition
the royal family, it has already been documented to be merits the support of your office, and the invalu-
the site of a Taino Indian settlement, able assistance your administration could provide, I
First among several thoughts that immediately strongly feel that recognition of this worthwhile effort
presented themselves, was that the site was an oppor- as a common goal of our community would greatly
tunity for students of all levels to participate in the enhance the possibility of its success.
process of discovery in which archeological studies The preservation of a site that figured so promi-
could serve as a hands-on approach to their continu- nently in many chapters of the political and cultural
ing education. What better way could there be to ig- history of these islands is certainly deserving of all
nite the flame of curiosity in young minds? our support. In the interest of the common good, not
Once part of the largest plantation on St. John, only of today, but for future generations, we need to
there are areas with excellent soil conditions that recognize that there will be many other ways that will
might once again provide an opportunity for a variety likely be found to enjoy and enhance the character of
of agricultural efforts that, because of its size, might our community through our joint ownership of this
provide a location ample enough for a truly commu- land in the form of a territorial park.
nity-based gardening initiative. Hugo Roller

Too Much Water!

As I write this, we are still in the midst of the worst
Virgin Islands rain event in memory. Right now there
is just too much water everywhere! We all feel
sympathy for those whose homes have mud and water
in them; who have flooding in or undermining their
homes, or who have lost driveways, retaining walls,
other property, or income due to lost work days. This
is a real natural disaster in Coral Bay, St. John, and in
other neighborhoods throughout the VI.
Naturally because of CBCC's stormwater manage-
ment efforts, people are asking us for answers and
solutions. And some people are frustrated because the
projects we have been planning for this year are not
done yet. Experts tell us there's a difference between
stormwater management and flood control.
Stormwater management is handling water from
typical or average rain events. Flood control

is attempting to manage large volumes of water from
exceptional rain events. Flood control is much more
expensive and usually limits what land can be devel-
oped.
For instance, the large concrete swale that routes
water from the main ghut across King's Hill Road
was completed uprooted by flood waters Tuesday
night and ended up 20 feet downstream! This swale
provided effective stormwater control for normal
rains, but could not survive a major flood. Flood con-
trol for this area might include a large pond to capture
flood water although in this extreme event it would
likely have overflowed too.
In general, none of the small storm water control
projects that CBCC is doing or plans to do can stop
sediment or manage the enormous flood waters of the
Continued on Page 17

St. John Tradewinds welcomes notices of community-orient-
ed, not-for-profit events for inclusion in this weekly listing. Call
776-6496, e-mail editor@tradewinds.vi or fax 693-8885.

Monday, October 11
Using Sport For Social Change, in conjunction with the St.
John Community Foundation and the St. John Parks and Recre-
ation, will host its 2nd annual Just Play Day on October 11, from
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Cruz Bay.
Thursday, October 14 and 26
Department of Health's Environmental Health division will be
fogging for mosquitoes on St. John this month on Thursday, Octo-
ber 14, and Tuesday, October 26.
Friday, October 15
The Department of Health Immunization Program has sched-
uled outreach activities for free flu vaccines in areas most acces-
sible to the public. DOH officials will be on St. John on Friday,
October 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Coral Bay Fire Station.
Saturday, October 23
The St. John Animal Care Center "No Fleas, Please" event will
be on Saturday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 23 and 27
The St. John Community Foundation is hosting two political
forums at a ballroom at the Westin Resort and Villas this month.
SJCF will welcome senatorial candidates on Saturday night,
October 23, starting with a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. The fo-
rum will begin at 7 p.m. On October 30, the group will welcome
gubernatorial candidates to the ballroom again with the meet and
greet at 6:30 p.m. and the forum starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 6
The St. John Historical Society is again teaming up with Clean
Islands International and the Virgin Islands Environmental Re-
source Station to celebrate the legacy of Project Tektite. The ac-
tivities will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, November 6, at
VIERS in Lameshur Bay, on the south shore of St. John.
Saturday, December 11
Mongoose Junction will host the 15th annual All Island Holi-
day Party on Saturday, December 11, starting at 8 p.m.

ALCHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets as scheduled: Sundays, 9:45
a.m. at Hawksnest Bay Beach; Closed meetings for alcohol-
ics only at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay at 6 p.m
on Tuesday; Open meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Friday at 6 p.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church; Tuesdays,
Thursday and Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Moravian Church, Coral
Bay.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
Narcotics Anonymous has open meeting from 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. every Saturday at St. Ursula's Church.

AL-ANON MEETINGS
Al-Anon meets on St. John every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the
picnic table at the VINP ball field, and every Thursday at 5:30
p.m. at St. Ursula's Multi-purpose center.

ALATEEN MEETINGS
Alateen will meet on Mondays at St. Ursula's Church from
6 to 7 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in attending.

PEl. Vi?# (,.s.wwd
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Available from Commercial News Providers

St. John Tradewinds, October 11-17, 2010

"FLAVORS" Is Back Better Than Ever

Continued from Page 9
all presentation winner this year,
since last year's winner, Paradiso,
has closed its doors.
The new categories were added
this year in an effort to draw even
more participants to the event, ac-
cording to Steinborm.
"We've added two new catego-
ries, best bar food and best mix-
ologist," she said. "We really want
this to be a community function
where everyone gets involved. We
really don't want just the high-end
restaurants to take part."
"We want the servers and bar-
tenders and the chefs out there who
are making great bar food to show
off their stuff," Steinbom said.
With so much amazing food to
sample, guests will have to look
no further than West Indies Ltd.'s
table for the perfect vintage with
which to wash it all down. While
the distributor is an annual sponsor
of the event, this year West Indies'
Kessock is bringing along some
people who know their wine well
- the wine makers themselves.
"This year West Indies is going
to bring wine makers to the event
and they're going to pour their
wines," said Steinbom. "So what

you're going to have this year is
as many wines as we have food.
In the past we've had one or two
wines, but this year it's really go-
ing to be a food and wine event."
West Indies will also make
some enticing offers available to
Flavors-goers, Steinbom added.
"If you like something you taste
that night, they are going to offer
discounts on the purchase of the
wine," she said.
The winning restaurants are
chosen by celebrity judges who
usually are presented with each
course at a special table. This year,
the judges' identities are being kept
secret from both the crowd and the
restaurants, explained Steinborm.
"We have guest chefs coming
in from St. Croix and Puerto Rico,
but they won't be identified and
sitting at a separate table or some-
thing," said the event organizer.
"They'll be sampling the food just
like we will be. So restaurants will
have to put out their best tastes all
night long, instead of preparing
something special for the judges."
In addition to the new catego-
ries and a new venue, Steinbom is
also ramping up the silent auction
part of the night, she added.

"This is a fundraiser and 100
percent of the money goes to
sending a local youth to college,"
said Steinbom. "In the past we've
always been able to send at least
one student to college. We want to
make the silent auction bigger and
better because we want to be able
to send two kids to college."
Steinborn is accepting donations
for the silent auction and it's not
too late for restaurants to still enter
the competition. Tickets are $100
at the door and $95 in advance, but
people who work in the hospital-
ity industry will get an even bigger
discount of $75, Steinbom added.
"We really want to get the young
people out there and especially the
young people who work in the
food industry," she said. "We want
to honor what they're doing and
make it more affordable for them
to come."
Tickets are available at Connec-
tions, Chelsea Drug Store, Mon-
goose Junction Activities Desk,
the Information Booth at The Mar-
ketplace and from Rotary Club
members. For more information or
to donate to the silent auction call
Steinbom at KatiLady Events at
693-8500.

St. John Police Report

Friday, October 1 Tuesday, October 5 7:00 a.m. An Estate Contant
1:17 p.m. An Estate Enighed 2:35 a.m. Central Dispatch resident p/r that he was involved
resident p/r that someone took r/ an activated alarm at VI. Na- in an auto accident in Cruz Bay.
money from his check without tional Park Maintenance Depart- Auto accident.
permission. Police assistance. ment. Activated alarm. 10:34 a.m. A citizen c/r wa-
Saturday, October 2 9:10 a.m. A citizen c/r a ter damage to a villa in Estate
2:23 p.m. An Estate Choco- male drowning at Scott's Beach, Virgin Grand. Property damage.
late Hole resident c/r an attempt- Caneel Bay. Police assistance. 4:17 p.m. Central Dispatch
ed burglary. Attempted burglary. 9:56 a.m. An Estate Adrian r/ a vehicle accident on Jacob's
Sunday, October 3 resident p/r she lost her wallet in Ladder. Auto accident.
7:02 a.m. ADT c/r an acti- the area of Cruz Bay. Lost wal- Thursday, October 7
vated alarm at the Lumberyard. let. 8:00 a.m. A citizen p/r that
Activated alarm. 5:30 p.m. An Aqua Bistro he lost his wallet in Cruz Bay.
Monday, October 4 employee c/r that a woman was Lost wallet.
11:17 a.m. -A citizen c/r shots causing a disturbance. Distur- 12:30 p.m. A citizen p/r be-
fired in the area of Estate Adrian. bance of the peace. ing harassed via the telephone.
Police assistance. 5:45 p.m. An Estate Bor- Telephone harassment.
1:17 p.m. A citizen p/r that deaux resident c/r that a male 1:39 p.m ADT r/ an activat-
he and his girlfriend are be- was lying inside of her vehicle ed alarm at Estate Susanaberg.
ing threatened by a member of which was parked at Dolphin Activated alarm.
his family. Disturbance of the Market. Police assistance. Friday, October 8
peace, D.V 9:45 p.m. An Estate Caroli- 12:55 a.m. A St. Thomas
10:28 p.m. VIPD Offc. r/ na resident c/r that her boyfriend resident r/ that her vehicle was
shots fired in the area of George was in a fight in Coral Bay. Dis- damaged at the Cruz Bay cus-
Simmonds Terrace. Illegal dis- turbance of the peace. tom's dock. Damage to a ve-
charge of firearm. Wednesday, October 6 hide.

LONG TERM LEASE
3 br/3 bath island home
situated atop Bordeaux
Mt. available November
1st. $2500/mo + util. Call
at 732-804-0600 for appt
to view e-mail mark@
markofexcellence.com
you can view the
house at http://www.vrbo.
com/92109

Continued from Page 13
extreme storm event we are experiencing
( 15+ inches of rain so far). They are not
designed to do that. They are designed to
minimize problems from the routine rain
events that occur every year. Tropical Storm
Otto, which exceeds any local rain event in
people's memories going back 40 years, has
been extraordinary.
Hopefully most of our stormwater con-
trol practices will continue to direct the wa-
ter in "best" directions, or into acceptable
overflow areas and be better than no con-
trols at all. All will need mid and after-storm
maintenance. Some may fail too. That's the
reality of serious tropical storm rains and
flood waters.
While mitigation efforts will ease this -
neither individuals nor the government can
afford the construction costs for all extreme
event flood control measures and frankly
those might fail too especially when you
consider that we are building on very steep
slopes.
Good stormwater control practices try to
anticipate where severe event storm floods
will be, and try to direct that excess water to
an area where it will cause the least damage.
However, landslides, blockages, new con-
struction, fallen boulders can all change
the flood waters path.
It is just not physically possible to antici-
pate and prevent all flood damage from a se-

vere storm event like this. It is common for
us to want to point to a single area or source
of trouble, but in this kind of event the larg-
est problem is simply too much rain falling
everywhere and trying to flow downhill to a
single gut or bay as fast as gravity can take
it. In its hurry to the sea, this flood water
will carry along boulders, bridges, dirt -
anything that is in its path.
Water always flows down hill. Soil ero-
sion is a natural, continual process. When
we install stormwater control practices, we
are simply trying to minimize human dis-
ruption of water's natural flow paths. We
aren't able to dramatically change the im-
pact of Nature's own disruptive pattern of
occasional flooding rains. This is a different
activity with much higher costs and a dif-
ferent set of choices.
Finally, if you have had problems from
this storm on your property, please call
VITEMA at 776-6444 and describe your
property loss to them. You may also want to
call the administrator's office at 776-6484.
It's very important that the VI Govern-
ment work to get FEMA Natural Disaster
funds to help people hurt by this storm. Peo-
ple need to share their expenses, losses and
concerns with the government.

Continued from Page 12
daio, Italy. That must make the coaches feel
really good while they are selling snacks to
pay for this season's sports program.
A couple of nights ago a senator was out
celebrating that he was not convicted of
threatening to kill his ex-teenage girlfriend
while his current teenage girlfriend was
peaking out the window of his house watch-
ing him. In many communities it is consid-
ered bad behavior to prey on teenage girls.
A few years ago there was a public ref-
erendum on gambling. We decided to allow
gambling only in casinos on St. Croix, and
with a whole list of requirements that were
designed to benefit the community. This
legislature not only allowed gambling in
every place imaginable on St. John and St.
Thomas against our wishes, they promoted
it at the Government-sponsored race tracks.
A few years ago there was a public ref-
erendum on the structure of voting for
members of the senate. This was a step in

the direction of making the members of the
legislators accountable by having numbered
seats so we could vote for an individual
that would be running against others for the
same position not the free for all that we
still have with no one being accountable.
Notice how much the leaders are working
(or not) for the benefit of the people of this
community.
I think it is time to change this deplorable
situation. We would be much better off with
a complete change in the leadership of the
community.
If you really are thinking about voting for
an incumbent, make sure that you find out
what they have been doing while they have
been leaders of this community.
And, do not forget that every single vote
that you cast after the first one is a vote
against your first vote. This is a system de-
signed to keep the incumbents in power, so
be very careful with your vote.
Greg Miller

ST. JOHN TRADEWINDS SUBSCRIPTIONS
CALL 340-776-6496 WE ACCEPT VISA OR MASTERCARD

ITl. S i -
"Surtslde" A rare chance to
own a home in the exclusive
Reef Bay enclave. Surfside is a
beauliruiiy appointed Mediter-
ranean style three bedroom,
pool villa on the edge of unde-
veloped park land wiin fabulous
ocean views and breezes,
Slroll via sallhay to seluded
white sand beach from this
oversized lot. Very successful
rental home with plans for an
additional 2x2 villa. Price
reduced to $1,5500001

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st
fc

"The Castle" is a one-of-a-kind
property with a startling vista
that few homes can match A
secluded enclave bordering
National Park lands this villa
was lovingly hand-built by Ihe
designer over eight years Since
its completion in 1995 this trea-
sure has become a popular
rental. Words nor pictures can
describe the other-worldly
feeling of romance, spirit and
magic that is St. Johns little
castle. $1,485,000,00

Colibri" Superb sunset and water views from this three bedroom
waterfront home in Great Cruz Bay. Features include native
onework, large pool deck with gazebo, masonry construction, air
conditioning, water views from every room and pool, and lots of room
r expansion. Deeded rights to beach and :ingPy landing. A
complete refurbishing has just been completed, including expansion
f interior space and a completely new chefs kitchen. $3,795,000.

S"Umin' Time" The perfect Caribbean cottage with a sandy pocket
beach on Great Cruz Bay & a very large pool & deck. Completely
redesigned and refurbished in 2009, Lirriin Time is better than new&
ready to move in with new high end fixtures. fumishings.new pool &
a perfect location in this well established neighborhood Keep your
yacht moored within sight & just pull your dinghy up on your own
property Swim and snorkel without driving. $1.75M
"The Retreat' Perfect privacy & spectacular ocean -aaws are Irne
heart of "The Relleal's" natural appeal. Its 3 pavilions are grouped
around a beautifully landscaped courtyard with pool & hot tub. Every
room enjoys an ocean view with a panorama of Sir Francis Drake
Channel. Two equal, air-conditioned king bedroom/bath suites with
additional sleeping lofts lank the main pavilion. A trail provides
access to a sandy swimming beach. $1.595M.

Sundance & Moonsong" Two houses for the price of one in
desirable Estate Chocolate Hole. Both Sundance and Moonsong are
successful short term rentals within walking distance to Hart Bay
beach and just a few minutes from Cruz Bay on paved roads
r Sundance is 3 bedrooms with a pool & spa with a large sundeck.
Moonsong is 2 bedrooms 2 baths with a spa. $1 495,000
'Mango Terrace Condos" Constructron completed in late 2009.
Located in Cruz Bay 2 3 8 4 bedrooms available A/C w3lk Io Frank
Bay beach & town Greal waler views slai less appliances large
shared pool and sun deck. Iravertine granite counter rops & private
laundry Some of the most spacious condos on Sc John Only 20%
down $825,000 to $1.35M OR Fraclional Ownerishp Opporlnit1y!
Buy one 1/4 ownership Conlact Islandia for details Time is now lor
a greatbuy!! Easy financing available
"Carolina Cottage" Really cute two bedroom house with nice water
views of Coral Harbor ard Hurricane Hole. Faces easi to catch the
cooling trade wind breezes. Paved driveway and parking area. Partial
furnishings included. A nice location close to Coral Bay with large
deck and room to expandd or add a pool. Space below could be
converted to another bedroom. $575,000.

DEVELOPMENTICOMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: Hansen Bay 7A is an 18 acre parcel with studies
done and a 15 lot sub division permit. All Iots have water views and breezes and 4 lots are on the
fat top of a ridge with almost 360 degree views. Just reduced from $3.1BM to $2.99M. Estate
Zootenvaal 20 acres over looking the marine preserve at Bork Creek just east of Coral Bay $7M.
Adjoining 6 acre parcel with 4 cottages and white sand beach also available. Little Plantation with
over 7 acres with preliminary subdivision permit and road cut to the top of the property Great water
views to the Brijsh Virgins 'romn every lot now just $1,9M, NEW Five Acres Above Newfound
Bay Mane an Offer. One acre subdividable parcel on Bordeaux ML with great views or $1.1 M
"Glucksberg Cottage" Why pay rent when you can own and produce income with this
apartmentsltudio duplex. Good neighborhood, quiet area, only five minutes to town and walking
aicran.a In Pina Paara Srhfwl Prwnartu ie nannf-riminn &PRn Mfn

LUMINARIA Luxurious ridge-top villa
| with incredible views of North shore and
down island. Large pool with waterfall,

-nL"r iviwl nvu-O nulI Day
beachfront is the setting for this unique-
y modern home. Top quality construc-
tion, privacy & security are hallmarks of
this one of a kind
4.5 baths & nu-
merous amenities
make this a top of
the line home for
Call for details the discerning.
"WINDWARDSIDE" CALABASH
BOOM offers 2 cottages with hot tubs
in private setting.
Panoramic views
over harbor to
BVls. Charming
brick courtyard,
lush tropical
landscaping, and
outdoor showers.
$1,275,000 Excellent rentals.

classic
style. 4
bedrooms,
4.5 baths,
walk to the
beach and
great views
make this
a super
$5,750,000 package.
UPPER CAROLINA 3X3 Recently up-
graded &
well kept
house with
3 income
producing
units. Easy
access
to Cruz
Bay and
$595.000 beaches.

8,000 sq. ft. villa close to Cruz Bay, 6 home on 1.24 acres of prime waterfront
bdrms, 6.5 baths, designer detail and overlooking
furnishings Hart Bay.
through- 3 bedroom
out !! popular
Spectacu- rental with
lar views one of the
of Pillsbury best views
Sound & St. of the south
$3,780,000 Thomas. $2,300,000 shore.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to own an "CONCH VILLAS": Why pay rent?
ENTIRE YEAR at the Westin in a de- Opportunity to own a 2br, 1ba &/or
luxe 2 bdrm E a 1br, 1ba condo
townhouse close to Cruz Bay!
unit. This Purchase one for
turn-key in- yourself and stop
vestment throwing money
opportunity away on rent or
has a proven $205,000 & purchase both for
l 1i(, nnn rntnl history oiAn nnn rlrdditinnnl innnma

"CORAL BREEZE" Well kept 2 br, 2
ba condo live in or continue successful
short term rental. Beautiful views of Great
ECruz Bay & beyond.
Convenient to town
& recently added
common pool and
deck make Bethany
Condos unit 6 a

Ask about "MUST SELL BEST
BUY" SITUATIONS
Call or email today for info!

OWN A MONTH (OR MORE) in
a 3 or 4 bedroom luxury home.
Magnificent views and sunsets from
3 homes with all amenities, pools
w/waterfalls and spas. Deeded 1
month ownerships from $59,000
WESTIN RESORT TIMESHARES:
Own a week, a month, or more &
enjoy all the resort amenities! Most
unit sizes and weeks available.
Priced from $4,000

tickets:
Connections (Coral Bay & Cruz Bay)
Chelsea Drug Store (Red Hook & The Marketplace)
Mongoose Junction Activities Desk
St. John Information Center at The Marketplace
West Indies Corporation St. Thomas and St. Croix
St. John Information Center near the Ferry Dock
Katilady Events
St. John Rotary Club Members
or call: 693-8500